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Reps in the News: House Passes Opioid, Substance Abuse Acts

Senator Caleb Frostman

Applications are now open for the 2018 Senate Scholar program, a week-long educational program offered by the Wisconsin State Senate that provides high school students with a hands-on, up-close view of the Wisconsin Legislature’s role in our democracy. Senate Scholars gain experience in such diverse areas as policy development, constituent relations, and processing legislation by working with senators, legislative staff and University of Wisconsin faculty. “I am proud of the quality education provided by the parents, teachers, and administrators in schools all across the 1st Senate District,” Sen. Frostman said in announcing the program. “I know there are many young people in Northeast Wisconsin who care deeply, want to become leaders, and make a difference in their communities. This program is a great way for students to see how our government functions and gain valuable hands-on experience toward becoming the leaders of the future.” Program information can be found at senatescholar.com or by calling 608.261.0533. All applications for the 2018 Senate Scholar program are due by Nov. 21, 2018. Students can apply at any time and have their application considered for future programs if they aren’t immediately accepted. While this is a highly competitive program, each Senate district is allotted a minimum number of participants.

Source:  Frostman press release

 

Congressman Mike Gallagher

The House passed the Substance-Use Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act (H.R. 6). This bipartisan, bicameral compromise bill helps combat illicit and synthetic drugs coming across U.S. borders, encourages the development of new non-addictive painkillers, improves prescription drug monitoring programs, removes outdated barriers that hamper access to care, addresses the effects of the crisis on children and families, and establishes comprehensive opioid recovery centers. The bill contains several key trauma-informed care provisions that Rep. Gallagher advocated for while the House and Senate negotiated the final conference report, including trauma-informed care training in healthcare, schools, and substance abuse treatment. These provisions build on his efforts from the past year and half to promote trauma-informed care, including launching the first Trauma-Informed Care Caucus in Congress. Earlier this year, Gallagher’s resolution recognizing the importance and effectiveness of trauma-informed care passed the House unanimously. “The bill we passed today provides a real opportunity to help improve health outcomes for those who have been impacted by trauma and are struggling with opioid addiction,” Gallagher said. “I’m grateful for my colleagues’ support in passing this critical piece of legislation. I now urge the Senate to do their part in passing this bill so the president can sign it into law as soon as possible.”

Source:  Gallagher press release

 

Senator Tammy Baldwin

Oct. 1 is the first day that the Trump Administration’s expansion of junk health insurance plans went into effect and Sen. Baldwin announced she has secured the support of every Senate Democrat for her legislation to overturn these plans that don’t have to cover pre-existing conditions and essential services like prescription drugs, emergency room visits and maternity care. Baldwin has introduced a Senate resolution to overturn the Trump Administration’s expansion of junk insurance plans and her resolution has the support needed to file a discharge petition and force a Senate floor vote in the coming weeks. With 49 Senators voting for Baldwin’s resolution, two Republicans are needed to pass it in the Senate. “The Trump Administration is rewriting the rules on guaranteed health care protections that millions of Americans depend on. President Trump’s latest act of sabotage will expand junk insurance plans that could increase costs and reduce access to quality coverage for millions, force premium increases on older Americans and harm people with pre-existing conditions,” Baldwin said. “Anyone who says they support coverage for people with pre-existing conditions should support this resolution to overturn the Trump Administration’s expansion of junk insurance plans, and I hope my Republican colleagues join us to protect people’s access to quality, affordable care.”

Source:  Baldwin press release

 

Senator Ron Johnson

Sen. Johnson has suggested that Christine Blasey Ford may be experiencing “false memories” about an alleged sexual assault by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, USA Today reported.

Johnson told WISN 12 News that he was ready to vote for Kavanaugh now, and if it’s a few more days, the end result is the same. He is confident Kavanaugh will be confirmed. When asked what he believes motivated Ford to testify, he said, “Read about false memories. Read about people who have actually confessed to crimes and then later proven totally innocent, OK?” When asked again, Johnson said, “There are a number of explanations for it. That would be one of them. Again, regardless of exactly – nobody knows what happened 36 years ago.”

Source:  WISN.com

 

President Donald Trump

President Trump has told reporters that it is a “difficult” and “scary” time for young men in the U.S. Trump’s remarks came as he reiterated his support for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, who is currently facing sexual misconduct allegations by several women. A vote to confirm Mr. Kavanaugh has been delayed as the FBI investigates the claims, which he denies. “It’s a very scary time for young men in America when you can be guilty of something that you may not be guilty of,” Trump told reporters. “This is a very difficult time. You could be somebody that was perfect your entire life and somebody could accuse you of something – doesn’t necessarily have to be a woman – but somebody could accuse you of something and you’re automatically guilty.” The president repeatedly said in response to questions about his top court pick that he was waiting to see what would come out of the FBI investigation and did not want to “interrupt” anything. And he emphasised that he believed the judge would be confirmed after the inquiry concluded.

Source:  bbcnews.com

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